Author: Atoyebi Adenike
By Atoyebi Nike Nigeria will commence full implementation of its End of Life Vehicle (ELV) Policy in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen automotive waste management, reduce environmental pollution, and stimulate job creation. The plan was disclosed in a policy document released by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), which confirmed that the 2026 rollout will activate existing ELV and automotive waste recycling regulations nationwide. According to the council, the policy will impose responsibilities on vehicle manufacturers, importers, owners, and recycling operators to ensure the proper handling and disposal of old and decommissioned vehicles. NADDC said the…
By Atoyebi Nike The Kwara State Police Command has rolled out enhanced security measures across the state ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations to safeguard lives and property. The move was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, quoting the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adekimi Ojo. Ojo said the statewide deployment forms part of proactive policing strategies designed to maintain public safety and boost residents’ confidence during the festive season. He explained that the operation aligns with the nationwide yuletide security directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.…
By Atoyebi Nike Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the controversial Tax Reform Acts scheduled to take effect in January, amid mounting disputes over their passage. In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Ndume said the President should set up an ad hoc committee to verify claims that the tax laws were altered after being passed by the National Assembly. He warned that implementing the laws without resolving the allegations could undermine their legitimacy and erode public trust. The Borno South senator noted that opposition figures, civil society…
By Atoyebi Nike Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately implement the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, warning that continued delay is damaging communities. In a statement on Wednesday, Atiku said Supreme Court decisions are final and must be enforced, describing non-compliance as a breach of the Constitution. He argued that withholding funds from local councils stalls development and deepens poverty at the grassroots. Atiku called on the President to direct the Attorney-General to enforce the ruling without delay, saying anything less amounts to a failure of leadership. The Supreme Court,…
By Atoyebi Nike The House of Representatives has approved the revised ₦43.56 trillion 2024 budget and the ₦48.31 trillion 2025 budget following the adoption of the House Committee on Appropriations’ report. The 2024 revised budget allocates ₦1.74 trillion for statutory transfers, ₦8.27 trillion for debt servicing, ₦11.26 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and ₦22.27 trillion for capital expenditure and development funds for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The revised 2025 budget sets aside ₦3.64 trillion for statutory transfers, ₦14.31 trillion for debt service, ₦13.58 trillion for recurrent expenditure, and ₦16.76 trillion for capital spending through development funds, running…
By Atoyebi Nike Two senators from Rivers State elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, citing deepening internal crises within their former party and the need to align with the federal government to better serve their constituents. The defections were formally announced on the Senate floor on Tuesday, with a high-powered APC delegation present. Alwell Onyesoh, representing Rivers East Senatorial District, said his decision followed consultations with leaders and stakeholders in the district. He emphasized that his loyalty remained with his constituents, not any political party, and highlighted the importance…
By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Bar Association has urged the immediate suspension of the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts, citing alleged discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and the copies later gazetted into law. In a statement on Tuesday, NBA President Afam Osigwe called for a pause in implementation until the issues are fully resolved, warning that any deviation from proper legislative processes undermines constitutional governance. Osigwe said the uncertainty surrounding the reforms could unsettle the business climate, erode investor confidence, and create unpredictability for taxpayers. “It unsettles the business environment, erodes investor confidence, and creates unpredictability…
By Atoyebi Nike Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared that he is qualified to serve as Nigeria’s president, amid growing speculation about his potential 2027 presidential ambitions. Speaking to journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday, Makinde pointed to his tenure as governor and his professional experience as evidence of his capability. “Let me make this very clear: to serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified – I’m even overqualified,” he said. Makinde noted that by May 2027, he will have completed two full terms as Oyo State governor, comparing his experience to that of the current president,…
By Atoyebi Nike The Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Revenue Service, Okon Okon, has dismissed claims that bank accounts would be frozen without a Tax Identification Number from January 1, 2026. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo on Tuesday, Okon said the reports were false and that account holders would still have access even if they do not yet have a Tax ID. He added that deposits in bank accounts are not taxable, as taxation applies only to income. Okon also noted that the Joint Revenue Board has developed a platform that can generate a Tax ID…
By Atoyebi Nike The African Development Bank Group and Nedbank Group have signed a major financing agreement aimed at expanding access to affordable housing in South Africa and strengthening trade across Africa. The package includes a ZAR 2.5 billion social bond investment in Nedbank Group Limited and a $60 million trade finance Risk Participation Agreement with Nedbank Limited. The initiatives are designed to help close Africa’s trade finance gap, promote intra-African trade and improve housing access, key drivers of inclusive economic growth. The social bond, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, will be channelled through Nedbank’s Sustainable Finance Fundraising Framework.…